New Mexico: Wheeler Peak

13,161 ft (4,011 m)

Rising above the high desert and pine forests of northern New Mexico, Wheeler Peak is the tallest mountain in the state that offers a surprisingly alpine experience in the heart of the Southwest. Though it lacks the remoteness of other highpoints in the West, it makes up for it with dramatic ridgelines, tundra wildflowers, and wide-open views stretching into Colorado.

Most hikers approach from Taos Ski Valley, following the Williams Lake Trail through spruce and fir forest before climbing steep switchbacks above treeline to the summit ridge. The route is just over 8 miles round-trip with roughly 3,000 feet of elevation gain—relatively short by Western standards, but still strenuous due to altitude and exposure. An alternate route from the east via the Bull-of-the-Woods Trail offers a longer, more gradual ascent along open ridges and alpine meadows, often favored by those looking for a quieter or more scenic experience.

The summit is marked by a rocky cairn and sweeping 360-degree views that, on a clear day, stretch as far as the San Juan Mountains to the north and the volcanic fields of the Rio Grande Rift to the west. Wheeler is a fun destination and definitely a worthy goal for highpointers seeking big views without extreme mileage.

More to come…

 

In the meantime, here’s a trip report using Bull of the Woods Trail up and Williams Lake Trail down.